6 Tactics for Making a Connection with Your Potential Employer

Getting the attention of a potential employer is definitely good for a job seeker. How else are you going to get hired? Anyone can tell you that if you want a chance to get that call or email telling you to report on a particular day, you have to get the attention of the person or people in charge of the hiring process. The following tips will help you create a connection with your employer and possibly land the job.

1. Lead With Your Strengths

What is it that makes you stand out from the other 50 applicants?Customize your resume. Begin with the background and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Many companies use a computer to pre-screen resumes, so include the main keywords that were used in the job posting.

An individual who has spent many years in the game will start by listing a summary of his/her accomplishments followed by a chronological detailing of the jobs, titles they have held, and responsibilities. If you are just fresh out of college, start with your education and degree at the beginning of the resume.

2. Target the Resume to the Job

Customization is key. Customize your resume to fit the position you seek. Avoid general information everyone includes in their resume. Do you know how many people want a challenging opportunity with an employer who provides opportunities for growth and progression? All of them.

Let them know the actual skills you bring to the table and what you can do for the organization.

3. Come Up With a Targeted Cover Letter That Highlights Your Qualifications

Specifically address the person conducting the search for the position you need. If you know the hiring director’s name, use it rather than something generic like “Dear sir or madam.” Try to find a balance between being too familiar and being too formal.

If you are applying to a wide range of positions, don’t use the same cover letter for each application. You may have a general base that you start with, but tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying to. A well-targeted cover letter can catch the attention of the hiring committee and net you the interview you’re hoping for.

The appearance of the letter matters too. Make sure that the formatting is correct,and that the punctuation and grammar are perfect. Don’t let your cover letter be the only thing stopping you from landing your dream job.

4. Apply For Positions That You Qualify For

Don’t just apply for a position just because you’d like to try out something new. Apply for jobs where you can offer something others cannot.

The person going through your resume may be tired or distracted by other work, and if they sense that you don’t qualify for a position, they won’t waste any time on you. The no-hire pile of job applications is filled with applicants who do not remotely qualify for the position.

Even if you do get it by some miracle, if you only have a cursory interest in the position, you won’t last long. Employers track performance and other metrics as a matter of course.

For instance, an employer will use a marketing dashboard to determine the return on investment, track the performance of their employees, and enhance data loss prevention. If you are only putting in casual effort or clearly have no idea what you’re doing, they’ll pick up on it and you’ll end up right back where you started.

5. Unique Approach

Come up with a unique approach while engaging a potential employer. For instance, you can explain how your particular skill set correlates with the vacant position. Make sure that you completely understand what the company is involved in, these questions come up regularly. Try to be memorable, but don’t overdo it to the point where you become cheesy.

6. Don’t Try Too Hard to Stand Out

Some candidates include peculiar content on their on their resumes that end up ruining their chances of landing the job. For instance, some job applicants during interviews will claim to know how to speak non-existent languages, others will say that they need the job because their family is in the mob, and another will proudly claim that his only intention is to ‘make dough.’ These are things you shouldn’t say to a potential employer. While these individuals succeeded in getting the attention of the interviewer, it was all for the wrong reasons.

With so many people looking for work right now, it can be difficult to set yourself apart, but the extra work is worth it. If you can make a connection with a potential employer, they are more likely to remember you when it comes down to the final hiring decision. Good luck!

Author: Lewis Robinson

Lewis Robinson is a business coach by day, and guest blogger by night. His passion for all things business strategy flows deeply into his work. He can be best reached by Email.
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